Kids need braces for a variety of reasons. They may need them for crooked teeth or an overbite or an underbite. An underbite is when the lower jaw is bigger and an overbite is just the opposite, the upper jaw is bigger than the lower (which is usually too small). Teeth can also be overcrowded or overlapping. The correction of any of these problems would constitute al good reason to get braces or pursue orthodontic treatment. These problems can be a result of tooth decay or accidents to the mouth or teeth, or just the factor of inheritance from parents. The good news is, that your pediatric dentist will let you know if your child needs braces and will recommend one of our board certified orthodontists who are able to tell you exactly what the problems are, when orthodontic treatment is appropriate, the type of treatment that is most effective for the problem set, and generate an affordable payment plan so treatment can be pursued at the most optimal time.
Just as kids need braces for a variety of different reasons, they also need to get them at different times. Usually kids will not need to see an orthodontist before they are 6. The American Association of Orthodontists generated a policy statement that all children should see an orthodontist by the age of 7 years old to screen for problems that may be developing and to intercept them early to avoid potential pitfalls like facial asymmetry, crowding that requires extractions, or eruptions and developmental problems that should be addressed early to simplify treatment in the teen years. Again, our pediatric dentists have excellent training in referral timing and will help to advise you on when your child should see the orthodontist, if needed.
Once the first visit to the orthodontist has been set up, our orthodontists will give your child a simple and pain-free initial exam and decide if treatment is needed and, if so, what the best treatment should be. They will review the appointments required to address the concern, educate you in a simple to understand way about the problems and how to fix them, and they will also review a financial plan as well as what your child can expect before, during, and after getting the braces. There are so many options with orthodontic treatment today, including clear removable Invisalign aligners and accelerated treatment using acceledent bone modulation appliance, there has never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient. There are also different payment plans the orthodontist will be happy to discuss with you as well.
After the braces are put on, you can then expect to visit the orthodontist every few weeks to monitor and adjust. Braces require special care and cleaning, and you and your child will be advised on how to take care of them every step of the way. The nicest thing about braces is, when the day comes to have them removed, it is such a treat to see those beautiful, straight teeth and perfect smile! Our orthodontists are proud to provide excellent orthodontic care to the families of our local communities and try to treat you like family while you are with us.
If you need more information or would like to schedule an orthodontic evaluation, please contact our office.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
